Inaugural White Coat Ceremony
In a first for the Byers School of Nursing and Walsh University, 36 sophomore nursing students received their white coats in a special ceremony as they begin their transition from classroom learning to clinical education. The White Coat Ceremony is held during nursing students’ sophomore year and is considered a formal welcome to the clinical portion of their nursing education. Established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993, the ceremony welcomes future health care workers to the medical profession. In nursing, the ceremony symbolizes a commitment to compassionate, humanistic, patient-centered care rooted in scientific proficiency. The event was made possible by a grant from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Celebrating Student Achievements
The Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES) symposium held in Barrette this month showcased the best of our students’ research, class projects and service learning activities. The symposium contributes to a more robust academic culture while giving our students a platform to present their amazing achievements in all areas of academics while developing their professional skills in sharing their work with faculty, staff, and students from across the University as well as community partners. Students shared both oral presentations and research posters throughout the day-long event.
Preparing Students for Community Engagement
In an effort to better serve the community, nonprofits are seeking board members who represent diverse backgrounds and experiences, and that includes college students. Several Walsh University students participated in a unique program called United Way Project Blueprint that prepares and trains emerging and current volunteer leaders in our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community to enter into policy-making roles.
The following students are part of the inaugural class: Aashawnti West, Skyler Stewart, Talia McLin, Mark Humphrey, Nicholas Blackmon, and Iliana Pech Cruz Smith. Carrilyn Long and T.K. Payton served as program facilitators along with LaFlovia Ginanna, Director of United Way Project Blueprint. At graduation, participants shared what they gained from the training and identified some organizations that they would like to join as future board members.
COVID-19 Testing Changes
If you have been tested by AultmanNow in the past for COVID-19, and you visit the clinic at Washington Square again, expect some changes. AultmanNow is now offering COVID PCR testing with a physician’s order. Symptomatic individuals can be seen by a provider at AultmanNow who will determine if a test is needed and order the test based on symptoms. The test is completed at AultmanNow with results returned within 24-48 hours. The test will be billed to the patient’s insurance. Remember, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus.